honey chicken tenders recipes

Name: Honey Chicken Tenders Recipes
Ingredients: Ingredients:; - Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders; - Honey; - Soy sauce; - Ground ginger; - Minced garlic; - Dried minced onions; - Flour; - Cornstarch; - Garlic powder; - Onion powder; - Paprika; - Oregano; - Buttermilk or eggs; - Panko breadcrumbs (optional); - Hot sauce (optional); - Oil for frying; - Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Daria January 18, 2025January 21, 2025

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Honey Chicken Tenders Recipes

Did you know that over 60% of families consider chicken tenders a go-to meal option? If you’re among those looking for a twist on the classic, honey chicken tenders might just become your new favorite. They blend sweet and savory flavors effortlessly, making them perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that not only pleases the palate but also fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. Curious about how to get started and elevate your chicken tender game?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this honey chicken tenders recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a must-have in your kitchen. The ease of preparation stands out, as you can have these tenders ready in just 10 to 14 minutes in the oven or 8 to 11 minutes in the air fryer. You’ll love using simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and panko, making it a breeze to whip up. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, the sweet and spicy hot honey sauce adds an irresistible glaze. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it for game day or weeknight dinners, and it pairs well with various sides. Enjoy a healthier option by baking or air-frying, keeping it lighter without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, using high smoke point oil ensures perfect results when deep-frying these tenders.

History

Although chicken tenders are now a beloved staple in American cuisine, their origins trace back to 1974 at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire. Charlie Pappas created them by salvaging chicken pieces, marinating, and frying them. While some claim chicken tenders were made earlier in places like New Orleans or Greenville, most agree on Manchester as the birthplace. By the mid-1980s, chicken tenders gained popularity as an alternative to chicken nuggets, especially at fast food restaurants. Their mass production involves coating chicken with spices and breading, then flash-frying. Today, they come in various flavors, such as Honey BBQ and Buffalo-style hot sauce, solidifying their place in American culture and cuisine. Chicken tenders are typically breaded and fried, which enhances their tender texture and flavor.

Recipe

Honey Chicken Tenders Recipes

If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile chicken dish, honey chicken tenders are the way to go. Whether you prefer them baked, fried, air-fried, or coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, these tenders promise to be a hit with your family and friends.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy cooking methods, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. For optimal flavor, marinating the chicken tenders for at least one hour is recommended marinating time.

These honey chicken tenders aren’t only flavorful but also easy to customize. You can experiment with different marinades, spices, and cooking techniques to find the perfect combination that suits your taste. From crispy fried options to healthier baked versions, there’s a honey chicken tender recipe for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients:
– Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders
– Honey
– Soy sauce
– Ground ginger
– Minced garlic
– Dried minced onions
– Flour
– Cornstarch
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Paprika
– Oregano
– Buttermilk or eggs
– Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
– Hot sauce (optional)
– Oil for frying
– Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by marinating the chicken tenders in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, ground ginger, minced garlic, and dried minced onions. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, turning halfway through for even flavor distribution.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F if you’re baking the chicken tenders. If frying, heat oil in a pan to 350 degrees F.
For baked chicken tenders, spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, flip the chicken pieces over and top with sliced green onions. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
For fried chicken tenders, prepare a coating by combining flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano in a mixing bowl. Dip the marinated chicken tenders in buttermilk or beaten eggs, then coat them with the flour mixture.
Fry the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
If desired, prepare a honey sauce by mixing hot sauce and honey in a saucepan and cooking for 2-3 minutes. Coat the fried chicken tenders with this sauce before serving.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders for up to three hours. If baking, consider using boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan to guarantee maximum crispiness, and always use a wire rack to drain excess oil for a lighter dish. Experiment with spices and sauces to create your own unique honey chicken tenders!

Final Thoughts

In closing, honey chicken tenders offer a delightful blend of flavors and cooking methods that can elevate any meal. You can choose to bake, fry, or air fry them, each method delivering a unique texture and taste.

With high protein content and varied calorie levels, these tenders can fit into different dietary needs. The sweet and savory flavor profile comes from ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, while you can customize them with spices or marinades for even more variety. Additionally, they provide a high fat content which may not suit low-fat diets but can be beneficial for those looking to increase their calorie intake.

Techniques such as brining and dredging enhance their flavor and texture. Whether you prefer them spicy or with herbal notes, honey chicken tenders are versatile and sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy experimenting!

FAQ

Curious about honey chicken tenders? You’re not alone! Many wonder how to get that perfect flavor and texture.

First, marinating your chicken tenders in a mixture of honey, garlic, and ginger can really enhance the taste. Whether you choose to bake, air-fry, or deep-fry, remember that cooking temperatures vary: bake at 425°F or air-fry at 390°F. For frying, using peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil can help achieve that crispy exterior.

Don’t forget, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes for tender bites.

Want to mix it up? Try variations like honey mustard or hot honey for a spicy kick.

Finally, double coating your tenders can add extra crunch. If you follow these tips, you’ll be enjoying delicious honey chicken tenders in no time!